Grace Owen nursery school gets new home

One of Sheffield’s last remaining council run nursery schools is getting a brand new home as part of the redevelopment of Park Hill flats.

Grace Owen Nursery School has been running on the listed Park Hill site since it was built more than half a century ago in 1961.

Now the nursery is to relocate into the newly refurbished part of the complex during the Christmas holidays. It will open in its new site from 5th January 2016.

Sheffield City Council and developers Urban Splash have worked together to bring about this new home for the nursery school.

Current parents and carers are already aware of the move but the nursery staff are keen to make sure everyone is aware of the new location.

The regeneration of the site has incorporated a purpose-built indoor and outdoor space for the children.

Headteacher Nancy Farrow said: “We are very excited about our move. We are visiting our new site regularly at the moment and it looks fabulous. The children have also been to see their new premises and they were particularly impressed with the new outdoor space”.

“Sheffield families have been taught at Grace Owen for over three generations and now we want to make sure everyone knows where our new nursery is and how to get to us so this can continue for future generations as well.

“Our nursery school is a happy, warm and welcoming place for children and families to grow and learn together.”

She added it was also rich in languages, cultures and diversity and is inclusive of all children and families. “We welcome and support children with special educational needs and disabilities and have qualified, trained and very experienced staff,” she said. “The new nursery will be a stimulating and exciting environment with a carefully designed outdoor area to promote physical development and self-confidence.”

The new nursery facility will also offer training and education for adults. Courses available with free childcare include courses for parents such as ‘Playing and learning together’, basic maths and English skills and also a special needs course

Situated alongside growing businesses and new neighbours, the nursery’s service is expected to be even more beneficial towards the lives of working parents, welcoming children from six months to four years old and also offering playcare schemes for children up to eight years old during school holidays.

Cabinet member for children, young people and families, Councillor Jackie Drayton, said: “Grace Owen Nursery, at the heart of the Park Hill, has been loved and appreciated by all the children and families who have attended over the years, so it’s wonderful to know it will continue to provide much needed early years services for the residents and community in its new premises. The nursery will benefit from excellent premises and outstanding teaching and learning and will be a real asset in this groundbreaking regeneration project.”

Simon Gawthorpe, Managing Director, Urban Splash said: “Our development at Park Hill is about creating a new mid-century quarter for Sheffield and central to this is maintaining and creating an environment in which its mixed community can thrive. We have residents, businesses, an exhibition space and an events programme. It was always in our vision to include the nursery in our first phase so we are delighted they are moving in and look forward to helping them settle in to their new home.”

Park Hill is the largest Grade II listed building in Europe.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

Nursery opening times: 8.00 am – 6.00 pm, Monday – Friday, 50 weeks per year for children from six months to five years

Childcare is available for children up to eight years old during school holiday at £4.20 per hour